If you have three/four days only, plan a short itinerary including Edinburgh and an insight of the Highlands with Loch Lomond. If you have more than a week, have a look at the itinerary below:

First step: Edinburgh

Necessary time: 2 days

Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital, the city reveals much curiosity: between its cobbled streets, its neo classical and neo gothic architecture, its legends and undergrounds you cannot be bored! You cannot miss Edinburgh castle as it dominates the town, perched high up on Castle Rock hill. Then, visit the Mary King’s Close, a maze of streets and undergrounds built by the inhabitants in the 17^th century, the Mary King’s Close is well-known for its scary legends and myths.

Afterwards, have a stroll in the city centre, the Royal Mile is the main road and the heart of the old town, admire its cobbled streets, listen to the bagpipes’ players in the street and why not have a haggis tasting?

Keep in mind that the National Museum of Scotland is free, its internal architecture is beautiful and its collection very varied. If the sun is up, plan a walk to the summit of Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano located very close to the city and offering a spectacular view over Edinburgh!

Step 2: Glasgow

Necessary time: 1 day

Although Edinburgh is the Scottish capital, Glasgow is the biggest city of Scotland and the third city of the United Kingdom. It hosts many free museums such as the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and the Riverside Museum! To know more about the Bagpiping let’s go to the National Piping Centre! Then, have your lunch break in the Botanical Gardens of Glasgow.

Step 3: Loch Lomond

Necessary time: 1 day

This lake (or loch) is located in the south of the Scottish Highlands, it’s the biggest of the United Kingdom’s lochs, its surface area is 27.5 square miles. Stop for a walk and a picnic at the edge of the loch before embarking on a mini cruise of approximately one hour (to book it’s this way). Bring warm clothes and a waterproof jacket 😉

Step 4: Fort William & Glenfinnan viaduct

Necessary time: 1 day

Fort William is the second biggest town of the Highlands after Inverness. Fort William is located at the foot of Ben Nevis, the highest summit in the United Kingdom (4,411 ft high). There is also a train station from which the Jacobite Train departs to reach Mallaig, via the Glenfinnan viaduct (famous scene in the Harry Potter saga). The cult films Braveheart and Highlander were shot not far from Fort William.

Step 5: Ile of Skye

Necessary time: 1 or 2 days

The Isle of Skye is the widest of the Inner Hebrides’ archipelago. It is famous for its wild atypical landscapes. We can find the Storr, a series of sharp rock pinnacles located at the top of a ridge, the Fairy Pools, which is a fall of crystal-clear water and the Kilt Rocks and Mealt Falls, a cliff from which a waterfall cascades into the sea! So, still not convinced?

Step 6: Loch Ness & Inverness

Necessary time: 1 day

The Loch Ness? You have surely heard about this mysterious Scottish lake where would live a marine monster most commonly known as the Loch Ness Monster or Nessie. This legend has made the lake famous, indeed, since the so-called monster was spotted in the 30’s many underwater expeditions and researches have been conducted without any result. The creature is fictional but the lake still rouses the public’s interest and tourists are still coming to unravel the mystery! On the edge of the lake we can find the ruins of Urquhart’s castle where the Visitor Centre and a café stand.

Step 7: Crieff & the Glenturret Distillery

Necessary time: Half a day

Crieff is a market town mainly known for its whisky which is produced in Glenturret distillery. If you are interested in the preparation method of this typical Scottish drink (or Irish, the debate is still open) then come visit Glenturret’s distillery!

Step 8: St Andrews

Necessary time: Half a day

St Andrews is a small seaside town hosting the third oldest university in the UK after Oxford and Cambridge. It is a very famous university, Prince William and the Duchess of de Cambridge used to study there! St Andrews is considered as the cradle of golf, the Golf legislative authority was founded there in 1754. The town now counts 5 golf courses; so, are you tempted by an introduction to this typical sport?

Step 9: Stirling

Necessary time: 1 day

Stirling was once the capital of the Scottish kingdom and a medieval town, it hosts an impressive castle and Wallace Monument, a tower elevating to 67 metres, built to commemorate Sir William Wallace, one of the main leaders during the First War for Scottish Independence.

Step 10: The Kelpies

Necessary time: 1 hour

On your way back to Edinburgh stop at the Kelpies, 30-metre-high sculptures representing horses. According to the legends, kelpies are mythological creatures living in running waters, they often take the form of a horse but they can also take a human form.

Return to Edinburgh

Here you are, it’s the end of this itinerary, have a last stop at the Elephant House Café which is now famous for often hosting J.K. Rowling when she started to think about the Harry Potter story.

Feel free to adapt timings of each step of this itinerary according to your wishes! You can also combine Scotland and a bit of England!  As for nature, don’t forget Wales which has not been invaded by tourists yet 😉

We can organise your accommodation, transport, itinerary and attractions from A to Z, contact us here for further information.

1- Bath : a guided tour of the city and the Roman Baths

Bath is a town located in Somerset, it was originally founded by the Romans due to the proximity of thermal baths. Thanks to the baths and the gorgeous Georgian architecture the city slightly became more and more famous. It is now classified as a UNESCO world heritage site. Have a guided tour of the city to admire the numerous architectural buildings and above all, visit the Roman Baths, a symbol of the city.

2- Cardiff : a guided tour, the castle and the Big Pit Museum

Cardiff is Wales’ capital city, it is located to the West of Bath (approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes away). Cardiff is famous for hosting many high-profile sporting events, it was even awarded the title of European Capital of Sport in 2014; rugby is the “favourite” welsh sport. If you are a fan, do not miss the Millennium Stadium.

Have a stroll in the city centre freely or have a tour held by a local guide, end the tour by a visit of Cardiff castle which was built by the Romans in 1091!

At approximately an hour’s drive from Cardiff centre you’ll arrive at the Big Pit, a museum classified as an industrial heritage museum which was a coal mine from 1880 to 1980. Nowadays you can visit the mine and school groups can have special workshops. It is very interesting to see how life was for the thousands of men working there at that time.

3- Bristol : Banksy Street Art

Bristol is located in England, less than an hour’s drive from Bath. The town was once a major port, especially for textile trade and unfortunately slave trade. This is a colourful city, built high-up, among which the famous Clifton Suspension bridge stands.

The well-known artist Banksy first painted in Bristol’s streets, Banksy is a filmmaker and a painter specialising in street art, he paints to pass on messages, often with a political meaning. Go on a special guided tour of Banksy’s street art and finish with a painting workshop (send us an email for further information).

4- Cheddar Gorge

The Cheddar Gorge is located very close to Cheddar’s village in Somerset. The Gorge hosts several caves in which were found many archaeological remains including the oldest skeleton of Great Britain (9000 years old). The most surprising cave is Gough’s Cave; you can see hundreds of stalagmites! One of the roads leading to the Gorge (the B3135) was even elected Best road for driving in the UK as its view is so spectacular!

To book your accommodation in Bath area and book attractions and/or transport please contact us here.

1- A guided tour of the city

Liverpool is a surprising city, mixing modernity and a range of different architectural styles going from the Tudor era until today. Liverpool is home to several ethnic communities, the Chinese community being the oldest in Europe. We can find the tallest Chinese arch of Europe standing in the quarter of Chinatown (it measures 44 feet).

2- Albert Dock

Liverpool counts several docks, the most famous being the Albert Dock which gathers several classified buildings. The dock was once used to receive exotic goods such as cotton, tea, silk, sugar… Albert Dock is one of the most visited attractions of Liverpool.

3- The Beatles Story Museum

The famous band is native to Liverpool and you could probably guess even if you didn’t know. There is a special atmosphere about this city: paintings and art created in the effigy of the band, their songs are played everywhere… Liverpool has mainly developed tourism thanks to The Beatles and other music bands. So it makes sense to visit The Beatles Story Museum. You will discover the beginnings of the band, the solo carrier of each member and iconic items such as Georges Harrison’s first guitar. This museum is one of the most visited in the United Kingdom so do not forget to book in advance!

4- A river cruise over the Mersey

If you come to Liverpool in spring or summer, book a cruise on the River Mersey. From the sea you will get a stunning view of the 3 symbolic buildings called the “Liverpool’s Three Graces”: the Royal Liver building, the Cunard building and the Port of Liverpool building. The style of these buildings is so different that this seafront is considered as one of the most impressive in the world.

5- The International Slavery Museum

This museum is also located on the Albert Dock, just a couple of metres away from the quay where the slaves’ commercial ship were arriving. The museum opened in 2007 which was the bicentenary year of the abolition of the British slave trade. As it is named, the museum is dedicated to the story of the colonial slavery.

6- The Tate Liverpool

The first Tate museum opened in 1897, it’s today the one we call Tate Britain. As of now, there are 4 museums: two in London, Tate Modern and Tate Britain, one in Cornwall, Tate St Ives and Tate Liverpool. Tate museums are dedicated to modern art, they are all free of entry (except for exhibitions) but school groups need to pre-book.

We can book your attractions and your accommodation in Liverpool and all around the United Kingdom. Please contact us for further information.

1- Windsor

Windsor is a market town located in the Royal Borough of Windsor. The town is mainly famous for its castle, being the Royal family official residence; it has become even touristier due to the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. The town also has a lovely covered market, narrow streets, cafés, shops and… Legoland!

Crossing the Thames River you will find Windsor’s twin town, Eton. This historic town is mostly famous for hosting Eton College boarding school. Eton College is one of the 4 remaining single-sex boys public schools in the United Kingdom.

2- Brighton

Brighton is THE seaside town to go to when it’s sunny. Admire the impressive Pier of 1,722 feet long, it remains a popular attraction for amusement games and fairground rides so save some change! Don’t miss the Royal Pavilion! Classified Grade I this architecture masterpiece was built in the Indian Revival style on the 18^th century by the architect John Nash. If the sun comes out you could almost believe you are in India. Brighton is also very famous for its Lanes which are narrow streets creating a kind of maze in the city, you’ll find many jewellery shops.

3- Stonehenge & Salisbury

Salisbury is a small town mainly known for hosting Great Britain’s tallest cathedral spire. Salisbury Cathedral is an Anglican cathedral built from 1220 to 1258. Its spire stands at 404 feet. One of the four copies of the Magna Carta is held in the premises; the Magna Carta is a charter of rights which was first created to restore peace between King John of England and a group of rebels.

From Salisbury catch a bus tour which will bring you to Stonehenge. Stonehenge is a famous megalithic site formed by a ring of enormous stones standing on the ground. Some stones would have been carried from Wales that is to say for about 200 miles. How could people have carried stones weighting 2 to 5 tons with simple tools from this era? The mystery remains unsolved.

4- Leeds castle

Leeds Castle is located in Kent, in the vicinity of the small village of Leeds. The castle was built on an island in a lake in 1129; it has been the property of six of England’s queens. History lovers are highly recommended to visit this castle classified Grade I and listed amongst the 57 heritage sites in England receiving more than 200,000 visitors per year!

5- Rye

Rye is a picturesque village located close to the coast; it used to be an important member of the Cinq Ports Confederation (created for trade purposes by 5 coastal towns). Rye is one of the best preserved medieval towns in England: narrowed cobbled lanes, cute houses, a castle, this town is the perfect combo for a relaxing day outside the busy city life. Bodiam Castle is located not too far from Rye and deserves a little stop as well.

6- Oxford & Cambridge

Stunning architecture, river and punting, famous people living there: everyone has heard about the two very famous cities of Oxford and Cambridge. The sibling cities both host the oldest universities in England and are both are well-known for their unique charm. One word: go! Discover what to do here.

When you have more time off, think about Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland. There are plenty of wonderful places to see in the United Kingdom! We can organise your trip from A to Z, so get in touch for more information.

1- Go to the museum to educate yourself

Natural History Museum

There are many museums in London and there is one for every taste. For art enthusiasts we name the most famous ones such as the Tate Modern, the Tate Britain, the British Museum, the V&A Museum or the National Portrait Gallery. Those eager to learn will have to go to the Science Museum or the Natural History Museum. The history lovers cannot miss the Imperial War Museum.

2- Gather around an Afternoon Tea

An Afternoon Tea is a meal composed of mini sandwiches, scones accompanied by clotted cream and jam, pastries, cakes and tea. (Yes, tea again and again!). This is an ideal meal to spend a chilly afternoon with friends/family. If it’s too much food you can opt for a Cream Tea 🙂

3- Go to a Show

You absolutely need to book your tickets in advance for famous shows like the Lion King, Les Miserables, Harry Potter and the cursed child etc. When it’s sunny think about the Shakespeare’s Globe, this outdoor theatre is full of character.

4- Looking for Some Vintage

Seeking out a vintage artefact or piece of clothing can be a fun way of passing the time on a rainy day while discovering different areas of London! So where should you go?

The charity shops, these shops are everywhere and the money is redistributed for research against cancer for example. If you scour well you can find extraordinary items! Then we can mention the Old Spitalfields market surroundings and Shoreditch area with the famous Brick Lane. And of course there is Camden, where you will have a lot of choice with anything and everything.

5- Be locked in an Escape Room

An escape room is a playful way of powering your neurons whilst having some fun with your friends/family and being sheltered from the bad weather. Many types of escape rooms exist so choose the most interesting one and go!

6- Be brave and face the cold

This part of the article is dedicated to the toughest, those who will dare going outside even with the fog, the English drizzle and the humidity.

If you are one of these people, put on your warmest coat and set off. You can stroll around the park or along the Thames, and for the super brave ones head to the city centre full of tourist crowds and admire the Christmas illuminations and decorations!

We can organise homestay, hostel and hotel accommodation. Contact us for further information.

1- Fish & Chips

Fish & chips is a very popular dish in the UK, composed of fried fish, chips and sometimes mushy peas.  British people love it because it can be eaten on the move and is fast to cook.

2- The Full English Breakfast 

The Full English Breakfast is a traditional British breakfast composed of bacon, sausages, fried eggs, baked beans, mushrooms and tomatoes. There are variants of the dish that can include black pudding, hash browns etc.

3- Shepherd’s Pie

The Shepherd’s pie is a meat pie recovered of a mash potato crust; it looks a lot like the French Hachis Parmentier.

4- The Cornish Pasty

The Pasty is a dish coming from Cornwall, with ground beef, potatoes, onion and rutabaga, the whole mix is put into a cooked pastry.

5- Cream tea

Cream tea is a kind of afternoon tea, made up of a tea and scones accompanied of clotted cream and strawberry jam. It is perfect on a rainy Sunday!

We can book all your meals, whether in a restaurant or a pub (even packed lunches), so don’t hesitate to ask for a quote.

So what are you waiting for?

1- The Language

When you book homestay accommodation students have no choice but to speak English. Firstly out of politeness; they will have to say hello, thank you, how are you etc, but also as students will be in another person’s home and therefore won’t know where a lot of the things are – they will have no choice but speak it.

2- New Friends

You will meet new people and maybe you will even become friends with these new people you have met. They could be members of your host family that you will stay in contact with or friends you met if you happen to have done school integration. You will also discover a new culture maybe even multiple cultures so it is important to know that the United Kingdom is a melting pot of different cultures and a lot of host families originate from all over the world.

3- Friendliness

After a day of trekking around visiting lots of different places it is always nice to come back to a home where a nice meal will have been prepared for you and where you can talk about all the amazing places you have seen that day with the members of your host family.

4- New Foods

Being with a host family you will discover new foods and tastes that you may have never eaten or tasted before. A typical English dinner is composed of a hearty meal that is not necessarily followed by a dessert. As mentioned before the U.K is full of different cultures and therefore you might be lucky enough to get to eat different foods.

5- The Price

Host family accommodation is a very good option for school groups as you get a lot of bang for your buck, all the meals are included in the price (breakfast, a packed lunch and dinner) and everything is organised for you! Youth hostels are usually more expensive and don’t always include meals in their price and hotels aren’t very school group friendly (a lot of these establishments don’t always accept under 18 year olds).

If you would like more information on host family accommodation or any of our centres, please take a look at this page or send us an email. We would be delighted to help you!